This book shares some of the experiences along the path of my life and how that path changed directions when I realized that I was not only supposed to learn something from those experiences, I was supposed to change myself.
It is also a story of how I, LaVonne Sallee’, Criminal Investigator for a bank, retired in 1998 and became, The Barbie Lady. The book is set up alphabetically divided into categories of lessons I have learned or am still learning on my path. In August 2006 I saw some Altered Barbie Artwork in the window of a Market Street Art Gallery in San Francisco. I had never seen this kind of artwork before. The Altered Barbie’s were a very different kind of Art. I shops at thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales to purchase used Barbie’s (and other similar fashion dolls) and props to create these pieces. I likes the idea of making art out of recycled stuff.
This art work was created long before this book was thought of. As I began writing the book I saw how the artwork fit into the story and made the story more humorous and entertaining.

Born in Roswell New Mexico, LaVonne Sallee’ (aka, The Barbie Lady) was one year old when the aliens landed. Rumor has it that when they died their spirits occupied the bodies of the babies in the area. She is accused of getting her sense of humor from that occupation. Growing up, she showed creative and artistic abilities but was discouraged in regard to making a profession out of her artwork.

She was taught that what other people expected of her, thought of her and felt about her was more important than what she thought and felt about herself or what she wanted for herself. So she did all the things she thought would gain the approval of those she wanted to impress. She went to work for Corporate America in her 20s. She became a criminal investigator for a Bank. She retired in 1998 after 25years of service.